Head of Driver Industrial Relations & Union Strategy

Arriva Rail London Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CrossCountry seeks an IR Group Head of Drivers to lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy across our rail operations. You will drive complex negotiations, oversee governance of collective agreements, and align industrial relations with service delivery and performance.

You will partner with HR and operational leaders to build capability, manage risk, and support change across depots, planning, frontline and support functions.

Qualifications

• Significant industrial relations and trade union engagement experience.
• Experience in rail, transport, logistics, or safety-critical environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining, consultation frameworks, and employment law.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with trade unions.
• Lead development and delivery of industrial relations strategy.
• Lead complex negotiations and consultation processes.
• Oversee governance and interpretation of collective agreements.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to balance business needs and workforce priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders on IR matters.

Skills

Industrial relations

Trade union engagement

Negotiation

Leadership

Rail/transport experience

Employment legislation

Education

HR qualification

Tools

Rostering systems

Workforce planning tools

Job frameworks

Operational agreements

Job description

CrossCountry seeks an IR Group Head of Drivers to lead engagement with trade unions and shape workforce strategy across our rail operations. You will drive complex negotiations, oversee governance of collective agreements, and align industrial relations with service delivery and performance.

You will partner with HR and operational leaders to build capability, manage risk, and support change across depots, planning, frontline and support functions.